Hello, Member.
ASTA is the only association advocating specifically for travel advisors, both within the industry and in the halls of government. As we pass the halfway point of 2025, I want to highlight how ASTA has been working tirelessly to ensure that you—our members—don't have to worry about misguided legislation affecting your business or your bottom line. I'm also pleased to highlight ASTA's proactive legislative endeavors to save you time to do what you do best: provide amazing travel experiences to your clients.
At the request of ASTA, last week, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) spearheaded a letter, signed by eight other Members of Congress, to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy asking the agency to review the misguided airline refund rule that has been in effect since October. It highlights the concerns ASTA has been raising about travel advisors being on the hook for refunds when the airline falls short.
On the state level, we've seen an increase in attempts to tax your services and travel packages. For a full recap, click here to read ASTA's mid-year 2025 State Advocacy Accomplishments, showcasing the wins that saved advisors countless dollars in time and money. In doing so, we educated legislators about the travel advisor industry and how it's far from traditional. Travel advisors don't fit neatly into a descriptive box. Your clients and services cross state lines, and you provide essential services when travelers need them the most. If your state isn't included, that doesn't mean you're off the hook. State legislators and governors are watching what others are doing, and once one state is successful, we'll see a ripple effect across the country. We're ready to fight when it does.
Speaking of being ready, let's take a moment to thank our Advocacy Fund and ASTAPAC supporters. We were well-prepared to go to battle for you because of the generous financial support from partners such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, who believe in our advocacy mission and step up year after year with substantial contributions. The ASTA Advocacy Fund allows us to educate legislators and even hire boots-on-the-ground support when it matters most. ASTA chapters, member companies, supplier members and individual members have been incredible contributors to ASTA's advocacy efforts, and these are just some examples of how we put your support to good use. Truly, thank you.
We've still got work to do, and 2025 is far from over. I hope these exciting updates will ignite your passion to jump in and tell your story when we need you. One of the best ways to do that is by joining ASTA for Legislative Day, October 6–8, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Legislative Day takes you to Capitol Hill to meet with your Members of Congress and their staff to educate them on the importance of supporting travel advisors and the travel industry.
Thank you for your membership and your trust in us as your advocacy association, not just in Washington, but across the country.
